Owners of gaming and work laptops of the brand MSI Often faced with the need to replace individual keys or completely clean underneath them. The mechanism for securing the keys in these devices has its own design features that distinguish them from standard office models. Improper use may cause the plastic clips to break or the membrane to become damaged, making the keyboard unusable.
The dismantling procedure requires accuracy and understanding of the operating principle scissor mechanism, which is used in most modern laptops. It is important not to use excessive force, since the plastic in thin fastening elements is quite fragile. In this article we will look at a step-by-step algorithm of actions, necessary tools and common mistakes that should be avoided when servicing your keyboard. MSI.
Preparing tools and work area
Before you start using the keyboard physically, you need to organize a safe space and prepare specialized equipment. A standard set of tools for repairing household appliances will not work here, since the laptop keyboard MSI requires jeweler's precision. You will need thin plastic spatulas that will not scratch the case or damage the contacts.
The ideal tool to start with is a plastic card or a special pick for repairing smartphones. It is strictly not recommended to use metal screwdrivers, as they can easily pierce silicone membrane or scratch the surface of the keys. It's also important to have good lighting so you can see the small latches that hold the key in place.
- 🔧 Thin plastic spatula or pick
- 🔦 Bright table lamp with adjustable angle
- 🧴 Can of compressed air for pre-cleaning
- 💾 Tweezers with rounded ends for removing small parts
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, be sure to disconnect the laptop from the network and remove the battery if it is removable. Even when the device is turned off, residual voltage can cause a short circuit if the contacts are accidentally touched.
The working surface must be clean and level so that small parts do not get lost in carpet pile or dust. It is recommended to lay a soft cloth on which the parts will not slip and will not be scratched. If you plan to remove not one key, but several at once, it is better to prepare a container with cells for storing them.
Working principle of MSI scissor mechanism
Understanding how the key suspension mechanism works is the key to successful removal. In laptops MSI the so-called scissor suspension mechanism, which consists of two intersecting plastic elements. These elements form a stable structure that allows the key to move strictly vertically when pressed.
Each key has two latches on top and two on the bottom, which hook into a plastic frame on the board. Between the frame and the key itself there is silicone pillow, responsible for tactile response and returning the key to its original position. If removed incorrectly, one of these latches may break and the key will stop working or fail.
Keyboard Features MSI is that the latches often have micro-sharpening or bends that hold the key with a certain force. This is done so that the key does not fall out during transportation, but requires careful removal. You need to press strictly in the center of the key, trying not to skew it to the side.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the structure at an angle to understand the location of the latches
- 🛡️ Do not press on the corners of the keys, as this may cause the plastic “ears” to break.
- ⚙️ Learn the structure of the Enter and Shift keys, as they have a double suspension mechanism
⚠️ Attention: The Enter key and Spacebar on MSI laptops often have an additional metal rod for stabilization. When removing these keys you need to be especially careful not to bend this rod.
Sometimes the detents can become dirty or clogged with small debris, making the key feel like it's stuck. In such cases, there is no need to apply more force; it is better to use compressed air to clean the mechanism before attempting to remove it. Understanding the mechanics will help you avoid permanent damage.
- Gaming series GF/GT
- Prestige series worker
- Summit Series Ultrabook
- Other model
Step-by-step instructions for removing keys
The process of removing a key begins with a visual inspection and selection of the entry point for the tool. You need to pry the key from below, where one of the plastic clips is located. Use a plastic spatula, carefully inserting it under the bottom edge of the key. Do not try to pry the key from above, as this may damage the upper latches.
As soon as you feel a click indicating that the lower clamp has disengaged, stop. Move the tool to the other bottom edge and repeat the procedure. When both lower latches are released, the key will only be held on by the upper latches. At this moment you need to carefully pull the key towards you and up.
If the key does not budge, do not use brute force. The latch may be stuck due to dust or deformation. In this case, use tweezers to slightly lift the edge of the plastic frame of the suspension mechanism. The main thing is to act slowly and consistently, checking each step.
☑️ Instructions for removing the key
After removing the key, inspect the suspension mechanism that remains on the board. It must be intact and have no cracks. If the frame is damaged, the key cannot be installed back without replacing this part. Also check the silicone pad for integrity and absence of dirt.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a crunching sound when removing the key, stop immediately. This is a sign that the plastic is cracked, and further manipulation will lead to complete breakdown of the mechanism.
Features of removable keys on gaming models
Gaming laptops MSI, such as series GP, GE or GT, often equipped with backlit keyboards. This complicates the dismantling process, since there is an LED under each key. When removing, you need to be extremely careful with the backlight wiring, which can be fragile.
Some models have mechanical switches instead of a membrane, although this is less common in the standard lines. If you have a model with mechanics, the principle of removing the keys is different: you just need to press the latches on both sides and lift the key. However, most MSI models use scissor membrane technology.
It is important to note that backlit keys may have special light guides that transmit light from the diode to the surface of the key. When removing, do not pull the key at an angle to avoid breaking these light guides. They are usually attached to the bottom of the key and are easily broken by sudden movement.
- 💡 Inspect the LED under the key before removing to ensure its integrity
- 🔌 Be careful with backlight cables if they extend beyond the keyboard
- 🎮 Check if the key has additional locking due to the switching mechanics
What should I do if the backlit key is not removable?
Sometimes LEDs stick to the key due to static electricity or adhesive. Try gently rocking the key from side to side without forcing upward. If this doesn't work, use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to slightly loosen any remaining glue or plastic, but do not overheat the components.
Gaming models also often have keys with double markings (Latin and Cyrillic) or with transparent symbols for backlighting. These keys are more fragile because the plastic around the characters is thinner. When removing, avoid pressing on the symbol area to avoid leaving cracks.
If you remove the keys for cleaning, be sure to check the condition of the LEDs. Dirt on the LED lens can reduce the brightness of the backlight, even if the key itself is clean.
Putting the keys back in place
Putting a key back is the reverse process of removing it, but requires even more care. First you need to make sure that the suspension mechanism (plastic “scissors”) is installed level and not misaligned. If it becomes detached from the frame, it must be carefully returned to its place by snapping it around the perimeter.
Place the key on the suspension mechanism, aligning the holes for the clamps. First, press down on the top of the key to engage the top latches. You should hear a characteristic click confirming a reliable connection. Then test the bottom by pressing it until it clicks.
After installation, press the key several times to check its operation. It should press smoothly, without jamming or play. If the key sinks or gets stuck, it means the suspension mechanism is not fully secured or the silicone cushion has moved.
Use a soft cloth to wipe the surface of the keys after installation to remove fingerprints. If you used cleaning products, make sure they are completely dry before turning on your laptop. Test the backlight by pressing a key to make sure the LED is working correctly.
Don't move keys from different places if they look similar, as they may not be the right shape.
Table of compatibility and typical problems
For convenience, we have collected information about typical problems faced by MSI laptop owners and ways to solve them. This table will help you quickly navigate the situation if the standard instructions do not produce results.
| Problem type | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The key does not return | Silicone cushion displacement | Align the pad under the key |
| The key fails | Broken plastic retainer | Replacing the suspension mechanism |
| Backlight doesn't work | Poor LED contact | Check contact and cleanliness of the lens |
| The key is stuck | Debris getting into the mechanism | Blow with compressed air |
| Click when pressed | Incorrect frame installation | Reassemble the suspension mechanism |
If the problem cannot be resolved using standard methods, you may need to completely replace the keyboard. In some cases, repairing individual keys is not economically feasible, especially if the mechanism on several keys is broken. In such situations, it is better to contact a service center MSI.
Particular attention should be paid to the arrow keys and function keys (F1-F12), as they are often smaller and have more fragile latches. Removing them requires special care and the use of thin tools.
Correct installation of the key requires sequential latching of the upper and then the lower latches. Trying to press the entire key at once often breaks one of the corners.
Common mistakes and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is trying to remove a key without first inspecting the mechanism. People often think that all keys are designed the same, but MSI laptops can have nuances even within the same model. For example, the spacebar may have additional latches on the sides.
Another mistake is using metal tools. Even a thin screwdriver can damage the traces on the board or pierce the membrane. This will cause the key to stop working and require replacing the entire keyboard, not just the key.
It is also common to forget about cleaning the suspension mechanism itself after removing the key. Dust and crumbs left in the mechanism can cause the plastic parts to wear out quickly and cause the keys to stick in the future. Regular preventive cleaning will extend the life of the device.
- ❌ Do not use metal tools to pry the keys
- ❌ Do not ignore clicks and resistance when removing
- ❌ Do not leave the suspension mechanism unprotected from dust after removal
What to do if the latch breaks?
If the plastic retainer breaks, the key can be temporarily fixed using capillary glue or special plastic for 3D printing, but this is a temporary solution. It is best to order an original suspension mechanism for your laptop model.
Sometimes users try to remove the key by first turning off the laptop, but without disconnecting it from the network. This may cause the system to react unexpectedly when pressing keys if the device goes to sleep or wakes up. Always completely disconnect the device from power before starting work.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to remove a key while the laptop is on and running. Even when turned off but connected to the network, there is a risk of damage to the keyboard controller.
Conclusion and prevention
Removing keys from a laptop keyboard MSI is a procedure that requires patience and accuracy. As long as you follow these guidelines and use the right tools, you can safely clean your keyboard or replace individual keys. The main rule is to take your time and carefully monitor the condition of each element of the mechanism.
Regular maintenance, such as using the keyboard in a clean room and periodically blowing it with compressed air, will help avoid the need to remove the keys in the future. If the problem has already occurred, follow our instructions to minimize the risk of damage to the device.
Remember that the keyboard is one of the most frequently used components of a laptop, and its proper operation directly affects the comfort of using the device. Proper care and timely maintenance will extend the life of your equipment.
How can you tell if the key has been removed correctly?
The key is considered to have been removed correctly if the suspension mechanism remains in place on the board and the key itself is easily removed without resistance. When removing, you should hear two or three clicks, corresponding to the release of the latches. If the key comes away with the mechanism, it means that the latches have not been released.
Is it possible to remove the key without tools?
It's theoretically possible if your nails are thin and strong enough, but it's risky. Nails may break and finger pressure may be uneven, causing the plastic clips to break. It is better to use a plastic spatula or pick.
What should I do if the key does not return to its original position?
This most often means that the silicone pad has moved or the suspension mechanism is not fully secured. Remove the key again, check the position of the pad and make sure that the scissor mechanism is level. When installing, make sure that the latches snap fully into place.
How often should you clean your laptop keyboard?
It is recommended to carry out a visual inspection and light blowing with compressed air every 3-6 months. Complete disassembly and cleaning with removal of the keys should be carried out only when necessary, for example, in case of liquid ingress or severe contamination.
Is it possible to replace one key with another?
No, the keys on MSI laptops are not universal. Each key has a unique shape and size of the suspension mechanism. Replacing a key from one model to another is impossible without seriously altering the mechanism.